Plans for 400-space car park in Skipton
They also include an artificial sports pitch.
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
Plans for an artificial sports pitch and two-storey car park with more than 400 spaces have been revealed for Skipton.
Dalesway Construction wants to build the developments over a sports field off Carleton New Road where it withdrew previous proposals for pitch upgrades and a surface level car park in 2019 after an objection from Sport England.
Sport England previously said the loss of the existing pitch would have a “detrimental impact upon football” and the government body has now raised similar objections to the latest plans submitted to Craven District Council.
It said there is “insufficient information” in the proposals and has questioned whether there is a need for another artificial sports pitch in the area.
The proposed site sits next to Skipton’s rugby, cricket and tennis clubs, as well as the Sandylands Sports Centre which already has an artificial pitch.
Sport England said in a report that it is “unable to find anything in the planning application… that clearly identifies the need for an additional artificial grass pitch in this area”.
A sport development officer at Craven District Council also said in a report there is “no need” for another artificial pitch and that “improvements to turf pitches is the priority”.
These assessments have been based partly on the council’s 2016 Playing Pitch Strategy – a piece of work which Sport England said is “outdated” and needs to be refreshed before a decision is made.
In documents submitted with its plans, Dalesway Construction, which is based in Skipton, said the existing pitch is not well used and that its proposals would “significantly improve” sporting facilities in the area.
It said the proposed pitch would be made available for community use, including for local sports and recreation clubs.
Meanwhile, the two-storey car park would have a total of 409 spaces with access from Carleton New Road.
The proposals have so far won the support of Skipton Juniors Football Club as well as Skipton Cricket Club which said extra parking is “badly needed, as is the provision of an artificial sports pitch”.
A decision on the plans is expected before the end of the year.